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Charlie Parker Biography
Saxophonist / Bandleader / Jazz Musician
Name at birth: Charles Christopher Parker, Jr.
Charlie Parker, nicknamed "Yardbird" ("Bird" for short), had an undistinguished early career, but ended up being one of the creators of bebop jazz in the 1940s. He played with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, all the while making his mark as an inventor of melodies and creative improviser. Highly influential and praised by fellow musicians, Parker had a brief career due to his troubled personal life and addictions to alcohol and heroin.
Extra credit: In 1988 jazz fan Clint Eastwood made a biographical movie about Parker, Bird, with Forest Whitaker in the title role.
Blog posts mentioning Charlie Parker:
Four Good Links
The Charlie Parker Residence
Charlie's New York home in the early 1950s
All Music Guide: Charlie Parker
Detailed bio and discography, plus links to many fellow artists
Charlie Parker Merchandise
A handful of Parker-related items and a sound sample
Charlie Parker Profile
BBC Radio's jazz site has background on his influence and an interview
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
Best Known As
Influential alto saxophone player